Traditionally, sport psychologists and mental performance coaches have been the primary professionals supporting athletes’ mental performance. However, occupational therapy offers a distinct, holistic perspective by integrating cognitive, emotional, and behavioral strategies within functional routines, roles, and environmental demands.
Descriptions of other professionals are simplified for educational purposes. Please refer to each profession's official organization for comprehensive scope of practice information.
→ Focuses on clinical mental health concerns, emotional regulation, and psychological well-being
→ Focuses on cognitive and behavioral strategies to enhance performance (e.g., focus, mindset, confidence)
→ Focuses on physical rehabilitation, injury prevention, and biomechanics
→ Integrates cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and environmental factors through habits, routines, roles, and daily performance patterns to support both performance and well-being (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2017). Occupational Therapists address overall life factors and stressors that may impact an athlete’s personal and professional functioning. Occupational therapy prioritizes helping athletes maintain long-term physical and mental performance, overall wellness, and sustainability within their sport.
Occupational therapy helps athletes manage emotional and nervous system regulation to support healthier performance, prevent injuries, and promote recovery.
Occupational therapy uniquely bridges the gap between mental health and physical performance by addressing how athletes function within their daily routines, roles, and environments, supporting not only performance outcomes, but long-term well-being and consistency.
However, sports organizations often remain unfamiliar with how OT interventions can enhance existing mental health and performance programs, highlighting the need for increased awareness and integration (Schinke et al., 2017).